How Do I Know Its Skin Pigmentation?

The color of our skin is determined by the presence of melanin pigments in the skin. Melanin is solely responsible for imparting color to your skin, iris of the eye and hair. The amount of melanin in one’s body is determined by race and the extent or length of exposure to the sunlight. The color of our skin, range from almost black to white, with a pinkish tinge which is as a result of blood vessels under the skin. The variation of our skin color is influenced by genetic factors.

Skin pigmentation can be defined as a skin disorder which may be as a result of either the body produces too much or too little melanin. Other factors include hormonal changes and medication. A number of pregnant women may suffer from skin pigmentation as a result hormonal factors and sun exposure.

In order for you to identify the type of skin pigmentation you are suffering from, have a look at the following types of skin pigmentation with their distinct symptoms:

Albinism: The person suffering from this condition has light skin, white or pale yellow hair and gray eyes. This condition is as a result of inherited recessive traits.

Hyper pigmentation: This is a condition which is as a result of the body producing too much melanin thereby making the skin to become darker than usual. This condition may be as a result of too much sun batting or drug reactions in the body.

Lichen simplex chronicus. This is a skin disorder characterized by dark patches on the skin accompanied by severe itching. If this condition is not treated it will lead to infections and scarring.

Melasma: This is a skin disorder which is as a result of the fall out of pregnancy hormones. Dark marks appear on the cheeks, bridge of the nose and on the neck of the pregnant woman.

Port-wine stains: This is a skin disorder caused by abnormal developments of

Capillaries and appear as red or purple marks on the body.

Birthmarks: This skin pigmentation appears before or at birth.

Vitiligo: this is a hypo pigmentation caused by the loss of pigment in the skin caused by destruction of pigment-forming cells known as melanocytes. Vitiligo symptoms are rapid pigment loss on several area of the skin and thus white patches can be seen on the skin. This condition affects the skin, eyes and the hair.